After yet another exciting round of League of Ireland action, it’s time to see which players performed well enough to receive the prestigious honour of being named in The Football Faithful LOI Team of the Week.
Goalkeeper: James Talbot (Bohemians)
No surprises really, another two clean sheets this week. Away at bitter rivals Shamrock Rovers and home to an excellent Waterford.
Made two outstanding stops in the first half to deny ex-Bohs duo JJ Lunney and Izzy Akinade.
Right back: Sean Gannon (Dundalk)
Solid performance in their huge win, had the threat of Dan Carr’s power and pace from the Rover’s left to deal with which could have caused issues.
Stood up to the challenge and looked to cause a threat going forward. Dundalk look to be purring as they look to regain their top spot.
Left Back: Paddy Kirk (Bohemians)
Came in for Darragh Leahy and put in a top-class performance against the pace and power of the more experienced Akinade, and under the watchful eye of Ireland under-21 boss Stephen Kenny too.
Never shirked a tackle and looked to get forward at every occasion. Was unlucky not to score following a double one-two, but his effort on the stretch just missed the far post by inches.
Centre back: Aaron Barry (Bohemians)
An absolute rock at the back for a hugely changed and younger Bohs side. Made skipper for the evening in Derek Pender’s absence and seemed to relish the responsibility.
Never put a foot wrong and gives Keith Long a real selection headache at the heart of the defence.
Centre back: Eoin Toal (Derry City)
Scored the opener and kept a clean sheet against last seasons runners up, Cork City. The 20-year-old looks to be a huge prospect as The Candystripes push for a European place after an excellent start to the season.
Centre midfield: Chris Shields (Dundalk)
Celebrated signing a new deal at the Lilywhites by bossing the midfield from the off against the talented trio of Jack Byrne, Aaron McEneff and Dylan Watts.
Has been immense as of late and getting back to the level that won him the 2018 POTY.
Centre midfield: Conor Levingston (Bohemians)
Eight changes form the Dublin derby, new midfield partner in Robbie McCourt – although they do go way back to junior football – but put in a very mature performance against the Blues.
Looked a leader in the middle, covering every blade of grass, winning possession and distribution under pressure was spot on.
Centre midfield: Bastien Hery (Waterford)
Just makes the game seem easy at times and sings off his own hymn sheet. At one point in Friday’s game, brought the game to a standstill in a hectic midfield battle.
Class act and had a fascinating battle with Conor Levingston throughout.
Left Wing: Jamie McDonagh (Derry City)
Man of the match in their 2-1 win at home to Cork City. Although he missed a penalty on the night, he showed tremendous mental strength to not let the disappointment get to him and scored the second to kill the game off.
Also set up the first for Eoin Toal with a good ball to the back post.
Right wing: Zak Elbouzedi (Waterford)
Has a huge future in the game, whether it’s in Ireland or abroad. Lightening pace, skillful, and a cool head on young shoulders.
Outstanding performance against his Ireland under-21 international teammate Andy Lyons.
Forward: Pat Hoban (Dundalk)
Only one man who can take the front spot this week. Six years to the day since he scored his first for Dundalk, he notched his 70th to become the clubs all-time top scorer. And a crucial goal it was too, opening the scoring against title rivals Shamrock Rovers.
